tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11985920.post5367058436833952998..comments2023-10-20T13:50:51.794+04:00Comments on Bss & Brn in Abu Dhabi : New TaxisBrnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242601851481279077noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11985920.post-1358538308561255122008-02-18T12:44:00.000+04:002008-02-18T12:44:00.000+04:00Well, it is almost up; I've leaving about two mont...Well, it is almost up; I've leaving about two months early because of an extended family illness. I've been here since June of 2005, so just short of three years .Brnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18242601851481279077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11985920.post-53318719907052312492008-02-17T23:11:00.000+04:002008-02-17T23:11:00.000+04:00When I later lived in Dubai, the taxi drivers ther...When I later lived in Dubai, the taxi drivers there (particularly w/ Dubai transport) speak quite well, are well-groomed, etc. I've come across the odd Iraqi or Syrian driving a taxi, but only in Dubai. Since AUH is known for being more "Arab" in terms of its residence than Dubai I wondered if the taxi drivers adapted by learning more of the local dialect.<BR/><BR/>So your contract there is ending? How long have you been in Al Ain?Susan https://www.blogger.com/profile/06455506176926199209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11985920.post-48235056909611715432008-02-17T23:08:00.000+04:002008-02-17T23:08:00.000+04:00Nearly all of the drivers of the old taxis are Afg...Nearly all of the drivers of the old taxis are Afghani or Pakistani. A lot of them do not speak English, but I've never had any trouble getting around - most of them have been here a long time and know the city very well. Of course Al Ain isn't growing or changing like Dubai, and that helps. <BR/><BR/>I think that the driver of the new taxi I had was Indian, but I'm not sure of that. Except for the Omani cabs that you see from Buraimi, I cannot say that I have ever seen an Arab cab driver.Brnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18242601851481279077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11985920.post-39735461963196848772008-02-17T23:02:00.000+04:002008-02-17T23:02:00.000+04:00It's great to know the details of the taxi rates s...It's great to know the details of the taxi rates since we are likely (hopefully) moving to AUH this August. When I lived in Sharjah in the late 90s there were no meters, and you never got into the car w/o negotiating the rate first. 5 dirhams got you anywhere in Sharjah, and you could negotiate less for a short distances. The cars STUNK. The permits which were posted w/ the driver's photo on the back of the head rest were never the people pictured. They made the drivers wear these green dungerees. They spoke no English, no Arabic, and couldn't find the centre of this thriving metropolis (Rolla Square) if you were 1 block away from it. Imagine trying to get one to take you to Dubai. I think I would have welcomed a slightly higher price for a cleaner version.<BR/><BR/>Are there more drivers from various Arab states in AUH?Susan https://www.blogger.com/profile/06455506176926199209noreply@blogger.com